Fund raiser aiming for a homerun

BILL DILLER

Published 8:00 pm, Monday, July 18, 2005

PIGEON  The windup, and the pitch! Low and outside. Ball three. A full count. The batter steps out of the box and takes a couple of practice swings. Runners on first and second, two down in the bottom of the final inning, with the home team trailing by one run. The batter steps back in, and glares at the pitcher. The ball sails toward him, right down the middle of the plate. He swings and lofts a lazy fly behind second. The runners are off with the crack of the bat, as the right fielder, center fielder and second baseman converge. The ball drops between them, mere inches from a diving outfielder. Both runners score and the fans go wild.

Baseball, America's pastime.

From the major leagues all the way down to Little League, baseball has been a fundamental part of life in the United States for decades. Unfortunately, with all of the distractions inherent in modern society, baseball seems to be suffering.

What used to be a mainstay of competition for America's youth doesn't draw the number of participants as in times past. The game isn't as fast paced as some, and the prima donna attitude of some of the major leaguers is off putting. As a result, some communities are having a hard time fielding a Little League team.

"Each year it becomes more difficult to have a Little League," said Dave Lewis, of Pigeon. Lewis is vice president of the Pigeon Little League, and is extremely concerned with the trend. "I think parents are involved in more things. I think it's more difficult to prioritize."

One major problem in fielding a team is finances. Due to increasing costs, the Pigeon Little League is having a hard time finding the money it needs to be self-supporting. Fortunately, a number of caring individuals and businesses have taken steps to help ensure the survival of the Pigeon Little League.

During the Farmers' Festival in Pigeon this week, Pigeon Chiropractic, located at 7236 Michigan Ave., in Pigeon, is sponsoring a fund raiser for the Pigeon Little League.

"People need to know, the Pigeon Little League owes the Village of Pigeon," Lewis said. "We owe $1,500 from a loan from last year that we haven't made a payment on. The village has been very good about that, but it needs to be paid. Plus, we have some local bills that need to be cleaned up."

The fund raiser will include a silent auction that will take place in the Municipal Parking Lot, in downtown Pigeon. Proceeds will go the Pigeon Little League to help pay the loans, and provide upkeep for the four baseball diamonds under their care. The money also will go toward the purchase of new uniforms and equipment. The baseball diamonds, located near the Band Shell and tennis courts, belong to the Village of Pigeon. Maintenance is provided by DPW workers, in conjunction with volunteers associated with the Pigeon Little League.

"The upgrades provided by the Little League really benefit the entire community," Lewis said, "because anyone can go over there and use the fields."

While the patience of the village is appreciated, as is the volunteer work of caring parents, more money is needed to assure the survival of the Pigeon Little League.

"We're finishing the season unable to pay some of our bills," Lewis said. "We have the whole support of the community, what we don't have is money. Pigeon is a community, when you're talking about their kids, they will support you."

As it stands, the parents of the Little Leaguers pay a significant portion of the bills. The fund raiser should help alleviate some of that cost.

"We've really been trying hard, because we want to make a lot of money for the Little League," said Dr. Julia Deer, of Pigeon Chiropractic. "We want to make it so they don't have to be in debt, and worry about next year."

Dr. Deer is new to the community, having moved to Pigeon in October 2004 soon after graduating from the Palmer School of Chiropractic, in Iowa.

"It's the founding school of chiropractic," Deer said.

A native of Adrian, Mich., Deer began looking for a place to practice her trade soon after finishing school. Pigeon seemed like a logical choice.

"The whole community has really welcomed us," she said. "We were looking for a small town to raise the boys in. We have three small boys, two of which are in the Pigeon Little League."

The fact that her children are in the Pigeon Little League is only part of the reason for the fund raiser.

"First of all, it's for my children, so they can participate," she said. "Second . . . we've had such a warm reception since we've been here. We wanted to give back to the community. I thought this would be a great way to do it."

"I think it's important for people to know how grateful the Little League is to the doctor for doing this," Lewis said. "The money that's raised here may make the difference between whether of not we break even for the year."

"We want the kids to be healthy, to be involved in sports, and more healthy activities," Dr. Deer said. "We want their bodies to grow, and their bones to be strong. It's a great base for them to build on, for their future."

Both Lewis and Dr. Deer are optimistic that this fund raiser will provide the needed revenue for the Pigeon Little League to continue operating.

Items for the silent auction will be on display beginning at 10 a.m. Thursday in the Pigeon municipal parking lot. The auction begins at 11 a.m., and will conclude by mid-afternoon. The process is set up so people will know if they've won within 20 minutes of submitting their bid.

Donations have come from various individuals and businesses. Available items include tickets to Detroit Tigers baseball games, various sports memorabilia, gift certificates from local businesses and an offer from Pigeon Chiropractic.

"There is one thing about the fund raiser that's really personal to me," Dr. Deer said. "For new patients, throughout the entire week of the Farmers' Festival, any new patient can get a free exam and consultation, X-rays if they need them, and an adjustment, for a $10 donation. All proceeds will go to the Pigeon Little League."

Although the Little League season is winding down, it's not too late to see them play. While the quality of play is not up to major league standards, the determination and sportsmanship of the young players may surpass that of their professional counterparts. Support for the Little League is necessary in order to ensure the continuation of this phase of America's pastime.

"Our goal is to have more fun, more games, at a lower cost to parents," Lewis said.

Participating in the silent auction will help achieve that goal. For more information about the Pigeon Little League fund raiser sponsored by Pigeon Chiropractic, call Dr. Deer at (989) 453-2020.